Compassion-20: The Disarming Virus

When the virulence leaves and the old life returns
with its morning Starbucks, frozen DiGiornos,
bullish NASDAQ, droning CNN,
when spiky fears retract their bloody mandibles
and head back to their cloudy houses,
when the Grand Princess is fully booked
and the fans return to T-Mobile Park,
what will have been learned from the
demonstration of bodily democracy?

Well my friend, consider Compassion-20, the gentle virus:
In Northern Italy, there’s been an outbreak of mercy,
Cardinals Of The Treasury fear it might reach the Vatican.
In China, The People’s kindness can’t be contained,
Xi and the Central Military Commission
watch helplessly as it crosses the border into Tibet.
The first carrier in Sweden has sent a handwritten card
of gratitude to his elementary school teacher.
There’s been a run on ballpoint pens;
experts warn teachers around the globe,
there’s up to a 70% chance they’ll be receiving mail.
In Lybia and Mali the armies are burying
their UB-32 rockets and 106mm rifles and digging wells.
In Paris, the CEO of AXA Insurance has opened a shelter
and is giving away Blondo boots and Teva sandals.
Shut it down! Tweet’s the 45th Administration.
But the latest Fox News headline is grim:
Pandemic of Grace—Lost All Sponsors.
Sean Hannity, who appears to have robust immunity,
blames the WHO for “weaponizing happiness.” 
Much the same at NBC, BBC, CBC,
“Good night and good luck,” says Carole MacNeil,
“such news cannot be construed and we’re heading off-air.
In the meantime, wave your hands frequently
and don’t touch your Facebook.”